Yakuza 4 Remastered
Last updated: 2026-02-01
- Engaging story with multiple protagonists
- Rich side content and mini-games
- Character development and unique abilities
- Confusing and convoluted story
- Poor combat mechanics
- Frustrating boss fights
Emotions
Players are frustrated primarily due to the game's combat mechanics and boss battles, which are often described as difficult, unfair, and poorly designed. The final battle, in particular, is frequently mentioned as frustrating and poorly designed. Additionally, the story and character development are criticized for being confusing, convoluted, and lacking credibility. Other sources of frustration include repetitive and tedious gameplay elements, such as the hostess mini-games and grinding, as well as technical issues like outdated combat systems and translation problems.
Players enjoy the game for its engaging story, great characters, and fun gameplay. The multi-character design and unique fighting styles add variety and depth to the experience. The improved combat mechanics, cool soundtrack, and varied mini-games also contribute to the overall enjoyment.
Players express disappointment mainly due to the game's story and plot, which are criticized for falling apart, having poor writing, and being confusing. The combat system is also a source of disappointment, described as outdated, unexciting, and awkward. Additionally, some players feel that the characters are underdeveloped and the game lacks significant improvements in visuals and mini-games.
Players are excited about the game's engaging story, character development, and the variety of playable characters with unique fighting styles. The detailed open world, character interactions, and the potential for future installments also contribute to the excitement.
Players feel satisfied with the game's strong character development, new combat styles, and overall improvements in gameplay and story. The engaging narrative, cool soundtrack, and varied gameplay elements also contribute to a satisfying experience.
Verdict
Mixed
Summary
Positive 71% Ā· Negative 29%. Score: 29 / 100
Verdict
Tinkering Required
Summary
The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience reveals several key themes. Performance issues, particularly frequent crashes, are a significant concern for many users. Control and gameplay have mixed reviews, with some users finding it smooth while others encounter difficulties, especially with keyboard and mouse. Language support, specifically the lack of Portuguese subtitles, is also noted as an issue. Compatibility and performance on the Steam Deck are generally positive, but there are reports of unplayable experiences, indicating some underlying issues. Score: 50 / 100
Top points
- Performance Issues - High
- Control and Gameplay - Medium
- Language Support - Low
- Compatibility and Performance on Steam Deck - Medium
Positives:
- The game features a compelling and intricate narrative that is easy to follow and rich in detail. It introduces four distinct protagonists, each with their own unique storylines that eventually intertwine, adding depth and variety to the gameplay experience.
- The game is packed with a variety of side activities and mini-games that add depth and enjoyment to the overall experience. These include karaoke, golf, gambling, and hostess clubs, among others, providing a well-rounded and immersive gameplay environment.
- The game introduces well-developed characters, each with their own unique combat styles and abilities. This not only adds variety to the gameplay but also allows players to connect more deeply with the characters and their individual story arcs.
- Yakuza 4 features improved graphics, character models, and technical enhancements over its predecessor. The remastered version includes better lighting, animations, and a smoother combat system, contributing to a more polished and visually appealing game.
- Kamurocho, the game's primary setting, has been expanded with new areas such as rooftops and underground sections. This verticality adds a new dimension to exploration, making the world feel more alive and immersive.
Negatives:
- The story is often criticized for being overly complex, convoluted, and difficult to follow. Many players found the plot to be confusing with too many twists and betrayals, making it hard to understand and enjoy.
- The combat system is frequently described as clunky, monotonous, and frustrating. Enemies often execute infinite combos, and the targeting system is not as precise as in previous games, leading to a less enjoyable gameplay experience.
- Boss fights are often cited as being overly difficult, unfair, and frustrating. Many players found the final boss fights to be particularly annoying and poorly designed, with significant difficulty spikes.
- Mini-games are often criticized for being repetitive, unexciting, and sometimes frustrating. The hostess maker mini-game, in particular, is mentioned as being tedious and monotonous.
- The gameplay is often described as tedious, lengthy, and sometimes painful. This includes long cutscenes, excessive dialogue, and a lot of backtracking and running around.
Gameplay:
- The game features an expanded open world with new areas to explore, including rooftops and underground sections. This adds variety and enhances the overall exploration experience.
- Some players have reported issues with the camera and user interface, which can affect the overall gameplay experience. These issues may include navigation difficulties and lack of certain controls like a run button.
- The game features tough boss battles that can significantly reduce the player's health with one-shot attacks. These battles add a layer of difficulty and excitement to the gameplay.
- Playing on Hard mode offers a more challenging experience, which can be painful but rewarding for players seeking a greater test of their skills.
Performance:
- The game features improved graphics over its predecessor, with better lighting, smoother character models, and animations. It also runs smoothly at 60 frames per second with enhanced resolution and performance.
- The camera struggles in tight or crowded areas, and there are some graphical glitches and visible pop-in of pedestrians. Additionally, the game is considered heavy and hard to run by some players.
- Some players feel that the game uses an outdated engine, leading to rudimentary and outdated graphics. This is seen as a drawback despite other improvements.
- There is a noticeable volume imbalance in the background music during Chapter 1, which can affect the overall audio experience.
- The game features reduced loading times, contributing to a smoother and more seamless gaming experience.
Recommendations:
- The game is frequently recommended for its engaging story and as an essential experience for fans of the series. It is praised for its gripping storytelling, well-developed characters, and suitability for both new players and long-time fans.
- Many reviews suggest waiting for a sale or buying the game at a steep discount to get the best value for money.
- Several reviews suggest playing previous games in the series, particularly Yakuza 3, for better context and understanding of the story.
- The game is considered worth playing due to its engaging gameplay and side content. Players are advised to do side content early for money and XP and to play on easy to avoid frustration.
- The game is praised for its engaging narrative structure and diverse gameplay, offering a variety of activities and an improved gaming experience.
Miscellaneous:
- The game contains advertisements that direct players to real online casino websites. This can be concerning for some players due to potential gambling risks.
